I have no regrets choosing Spain over Morocco – Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal has insisted he has no regrets over choosing to represent Spain rather than Morocco, despite being subjected to discriminatory chanting during a national team fixture that reignited debate around identity and inclusion in football.

The 18-year-old FC Barcelona winger broke his silence in an interview with Cadena SER, revisiting events from a March friendly against Egypt that was overshadowed by anti-Muslim chants from sections of the crowd at the RCDE Stadium.

Born in Spain to Moroccan heritage and eligible to represent both nations, Yamal was asked whether the incident had prompted any second thoughts about his international future. His response was firm and unambiguous.

“I do not regret it,” he said. “I chose Spain and I would choose Spain again.”

Speaking out on discrimination in the stands

Yamal used the interview to clarify that he did not associate the behaviour of a minority of supporters with any single nationality, stressing that the abuse targeted Muslims broadly rather than a specific community.

He explained that the language used in the stadium would have been offensive to Spanish, Senegalese and other Muslim players and fans alike, underlining the wider impact of discriminatory behaviour in football environments.

While condemning the chants, he also sought to separate those responsible from the broader Spanish public, insisting that only a section of the stadium was involved.

“I know that not all of Spain was chanting,” he said, adding that it was important not to generalise the actions of a few individuals to an entire country.

Regret for ignorance, not anger

The Barcelona winger expressed disappointment at those involved, suggesting their actions reflected a lack of understanding rather than deliberate malice.

He said he felt sadness for the individuals responsible, believing they did not fully grasp the meaning or consequences of their behaviour.

Yamal also reflected on the values instilled in him through his upbringing, contrasting his personal education with the conduct displayed in the stands on that night.

His comments reinforced a clear distinction between criticism of discriminatory actions and his broader attachment to Spain, where he was born, developed through the national youth system and ultimately established himself as a senior international.

Institutional response and wider condemnation

The incident during the March fixture prompted widespread condemnation across Spanish football and political institutions. Catalan authorities opened an investigation after reports of anti-Muslim chanting persisted despite stadium warnings about discriminatory behaviour.

The Spanish Football Federation, national team coach Luis de la Fuente and government officials all publicly denounced the incident, while the Egyptian Football Association described it as unacceptable and called for sanctions.

Despite repeated announcements warning that racist and xenophobic behaviour could carry legal consequences, parts of the crowd continued the chants, intensifying scrutiny on stadium enforcement measures.

Focus remains on Spain future

Away from the controversy, Yamal reaffirmed his commitment to the national team and expressed confidence in Spain’s prospects on the global stage, identifying them among the leading contenders for the World Cup.